No-contact cover for stethoscopes and other articles

ABSTRACT

A system for dispensing sterile covers for a stethoscope or other medical device, including a container including elongated members positioned in the container, terminating at tips proximate one end of the container; one or more collapsed pouches positioned inside the container, each pouch having open and closed ends and retainers, each retainer adapted to receive a corresponding elongated member, the collapsed pouches being supported on the elongated members; each pouch comprising a tab positioned proximate the open end for being grasped and pulled in a direction away and downwards from the elongated members, the open end forming an open position defined by the retainers and the tab for receiving a head of the stethoscope inside the pouch while the retainers remain engaged with the elongated members; after use, the pouch is removable from the stethoscope without a user contacting a patient contacting region of the cover.

BACKGROUND

The transmission of micro-organisms between patients in health caresettings remains a major health problem and accounts for significantmorbidity and mortality. Based upon considerable evidence, it isaccepted that contaminated hands of health care workers are a majorroute of cross-infection amongst patients. Despite this recognized riskfor transmission and the subsequent incorporation by medical facilitiesof hand hygiene practices, the rate of transmission of hospital-acquiredorganisms has not declined appreciably in recent years. There isincreasing evidence that stethoscopes are a major vector for thepatient-patient transmission of infectious organisms.

One strategy for addressing potential bacterial contamination of thestethoscope head is the one-use disposable stethoscope. This approach,while somewhat effective, is expensive. Disposable stethoscopes are alsoof inferior acoustic quality than standard stethoscopes.

Another strategy is to disinfect the stethoscope head using alcohol padsor hand cleanser. However, several studies have indicated that althoughthis is an effective means of reducing bacterial colony counts on thediaphragm and bell of stethoscopes, a 2007 review of the subjectrevealed that 45-68% of physicians and nurses surveyed reported “never”or “rarely” cleaning their stethoscopes. Another survey reported thatonly 24% of respondents disinfected their stethoscopes after every use.

There is a need in the art for a convenient and inexpensive system ormethod that reduces the patient-patient transmission of infectiousorganisms.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, a system for dispensing sterile covers for astethoscope or other medical device, includes a container including atleast two elongated members positioned in the container and terminatingat tips proximate one end of the container. The system further includesone or more collapsed pouches positioned inside the container, eachpouch having an open end and a closed end and a support structurepositioned proximate the open end, the support structure having a pairof first retainers, each first retainer adapted to receive acorresponding elongated member of the at least two elongated members,the one or more collapsed pouches being supported on the elongatedmembers. The system further includes each pouch including a first tabpositioned proximate the open end, the first tab being arranged anddisposed such that in response to the first tab of a corresponding pouchpositioned nearest the tips of the at least two elongated members beinggrasped and pulled in a direction downwards and away from the at leasttwo elongated members, the open end forming a first open positiondefined by the pair of first retainers and the first tab for receiving ahead of the stethoscope or other medical device inside the pouch whilethe first retainers remain engaged with the at least two elongatedmembers.

In one aspect, the system includes a second tab positioned proximate theopen end opposite the first tab; the first tab and the second tab beingarranged and disposed such that in response to the second tab beinggrasped and pulled in a direction away from the stethoscope or othermedical device received inside the pouch or the second tab being pulledin a direction away from the first tab, the open end forming a secondopen position permitting removal of the stethoscope or other medicaldevice from the pouch.

In another aspect, the system includes support structure includingseparate support structure portions, each support structure portionhaving a corresponding first retainer.

In a further aspect, the system includes the two elongated membersarranged non-parallel to one another.

In yet another aspect, the system includes the tips of the elongatedmembers extending exterior of the container.

In one aspect, the system includes the container including a removablelid at the one end to expose the plurality of collapsed pouches forremoval from the container.

In another aspect, the system further comprises a dispenser adapted toreceive the container.

In a further aspect, the system includes the two elongated membersconnected to one another.

In yet another aspect, the system includes the tips including secondretainers.

In one aspect, the system includes the open end including elasticmaterial.

In a further aspect, the system includes the second open positionincluding an opened weakened region extending to the open end proximatethe second tab.

In yet another aspect, the system includes the weakened region includinga perforation, a slit, a reinforced slit or a combination thereof.

In one aspect, the system includes a third tab positioned proximate theclosed end.

In another aspect, the system includes the container including slots forpermitting viewing of container indicia.

In yet another aspect, the system includes the container indiciaincluding product description information and product installationsteps.

In one embodiment, a method for covering a stethoscope or other medicaldevice, includes: providing a container including at least two elongatedmembers positioned in the container and terminating at tips proximateone end of the container, one or more collapsed pouches positionedinside the container, each pouch having an open end and a closed end anda support structure positioned proximate the open end, the supportstructure having a pair of first retainers, each first retainer adaptedto receive a corresponding elongated member of the at least twoelongated members. The method further includes the one or more collapsedpouches being supported on the elongated members, each pouch comprisinga first tab positioned proximate the open end. The method furtherincludes grasping and pulling the first tab of a corresponding pouchpositioned nearest the tips of the at least two elongated members in adirection away from the at least two elongated members, the open endforming a first open position defined by the pair of first retainers andthe first tab for receiving a head of the stethoscope or other medicaldevice inside the pouch while the first retainers remain engaged withthe at least two elongated members. The method further includesorienting the head of the stethoscope or other medical device prior to,simultaneously with, or subsequent to inserting the stethoscope or othermedical device inside the pouch.

In another embodiment, a cover for a stethoscope includes a hollowflexible or non-flexible body having an opening for surroundinglyreceiving a stethoscope head therein, and a protrusion positionedopposite the opening, the protrusion extending sufficiently outwardlyfrom a surface of the body for permitting the protrusion to be graspedby a user. The cover further includes in response to the protrusionbeing grasped by the user and application of a separation force to theprotrusion and the body by the user, the separation force separating thebody from the stethoscope head without the user contacting thestethoscope head.

In a further embodiment, a dispenser for covering a stethoscope head,the dispenser including an enclosure having an opening for receiving astethoscope head therein. The dispenser further including a stethoscopecover positioned inside the enclosure and overlapping the opening, thestethoscope cover secured to a carrier. The dispenser further includingin response to sufficient insertion of the stethoscope head through theopening and inside the enclosure in contact with the stethoscope head,the stethoscope head being separated from the carrier, and thestethoscope cover surroundingly covering the stethoscope head.

In yet a further embodiment, a method of covering and uncovering astethoscope head includes securing a hollow flexible or non-flexiblebody having an opening to a carrier, and sufficiently inserting, such asby a user, a stethoscope head inside the hollow flexible body throughthe opening to separate the body from the carrier, the bodysurroundingly receiving the stethoscope head therein, the body includinga protrusion extending outwardly from a surface of the body. The methodfurther includes manually grasping the protrusion by the user andapplying a separation force in a first direction by the user to theprotrusion to separate the body from the stethoscope head without theuser contacting the stethoscope head.

In one aspect, the method includes the protrusion positioned oppositethe opening.

In another aspect, the method includes, subsequent to orienting the headof the stethoscope or other medical device, removing the pouchcontaining the inserted stethoscope or other medical device from thecontainer, monitoring a medical condition of a patient with the coveredstethoscope head or other medical device, a patient contacting region ofthe pouch contacting the patient, and removing the cover from thecovered stethoscope head or other medical device without a usercontacting the patient contacting region of the cover.

In a further aspect, the application of the cover to the head can bemanual or electric.

In one aspect, an electronic triggering mechanism may be utilized.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparentfrom the following more detailed description, taken in conjunction withthe accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, theprinciples of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a prior art stethoscope.

FIG. 2 is a cutaway view of a stethoscope head of FIG. 1 surrounded byan exemplary cover.

FIG. 3 is a cross-section of the stethoscope head and cover of FIG. 1being subjected to a separation force.

FIG. 3A is a partial view of the cover of FIG. 2 in a collapsedcondition.

FIG. 3B is a partial view of the cover of FIG. 2 in an extendedcondition.

FIG. 4 is an oblique perspective view of an exemplary dispenser forcovering a stethoscope head.

FIG. 5 is an oblique perspective view of the dispenser of FIG. 4receiving a stethoscope head.

FIG. 6 is an oblique perspective view of an open, partially assembleddispenser of FIG. 4 with a transparent enclosure.

FIG. 7 is an oblique perspective view of the dispenser of FIG. 4 with atransparent enclosure.

FIG. 8 is a front view of an exemplary dispenser for covering astethoscope head.

FIG. 9 is an oblique perspective view of an exemplary dispenser forholding several modules of dispensing stethoscope head covers.

FIG. 10 is an oblique perspective view of an exemplary stethoscope covercarrier.

FIG. 11 is an oblique perspective view of an opened enclosure of thedispenser of FIG. 9.

FIG. 12 is an oblique perspective view of the opened enclosure of thedispenser of FIG. 9 including an exemplary stethoscope cover carrier.

FIGS. 13-16 are sequential oblique perspective views showing theoperation of an exemplary stethoscope cover dispenser.

FIG. 17 is a partial, enlarged oblique perspective view of a portion ofan exemplary carrier taken from region 17 of FIG. 7.

FIG. 18 is a side view of an exemplary cover surrounding a stethoscopehead.

FIG. 19 is a plan view of the cover surrounding the stethoscope head ofFIG. 18.

FIG. 20 is a plan view of the cover with a distorted opening forpermitting removal of the stethoscope head from the cover.

FIG. 21 is an oblique perspective view of an exemplary dispenserreceptacle for dispensing covers for covering a stethoscope head.

FIG. 22 is an oblique perspective view of the dispenser receptacle ofFIG. 21 securing a container containing covers for covering astethoscope head.

FIG. 23 is a front view of the dispenser receptacle and container ofFIG. 22 with an exemplary cover in an open position for receiving astethoscope head.

FIG. 24 is an oblique perspective view of an unopened container of FIG.22 adjacent an opened container.

FIGS. 25-30 and 30A are cutaway views of the container of FIG. 22showing sequential steps for covering a stethoscope head with anexemplary cover.

FIG. 31 is an oblique perspective view of an exemplary dispenser fordispensing covers for covering a stethoscope head.

FIG. 31A is a partial, enlarged view of the dispenser of FIG. 31.

FIG. 32 is an oblique perspective view of an exemplary dispenser fordispensing covers for covering a stethoscope head.

FIG. 33 is an oblique perspective view of an exemplary cover forcovering a stethoscope head.

FIG. 34 is an oblique perspective view of an exemplary cover forcovering a stethoscope head.

FIG. 35 is an oblique perspective view of the cover of FIG. 34 in anopen position for removal of a stethoscope head.

FIG. 36 is a front upper perspective view of an exemplary cover forcovering a stethoscope head.

FIG. 37 is a front upper perspective view of an exemplary cover forcovering a stethoscope head.

FIG. 38 is a front upper perspective view of an exemplary cover forcovering a stethoscope head.

FIG. 39 is a front upper perspective view of the cover of FIG. 38 in anopen position for receiving or removing a stethoscope head.

FIG. 40 is a front upper perspective view of the cover of FIG. 37 in anopen position for receiving or removing a stethoscope head.

FIG. 41 is an exploded view of an exemplary cover for covering astethoscope head.

Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughoutthe drawings to represent the same parts.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure is directed to a sterile cover and dispenser forcovering a stethoscope 10 such as shown in FIG. 1, which is ofwell-known construction. The cover and dispenser permit a user, such asa medical professional or medical practitioner or practitioner, toutilize stethoscope 10 without touching or physically contacting astethoscope head 12 of stethoscope 10, which stethoscope head 12typically including a diaphragm 14 and a bell 16. Furthermore, the coveris configured so as to permit removal of the cover without the usertouching or physically contacting the portion of the cover that hadpreviously touched or physically contacted the patient. Stated anotherway, the stethoscope head cover and stethoscope head cover dispenser ofthe present disclosure permit a practitioner to avoid touching or makingphysical contact with the stethoscope head or the patient, while alsoavoiding touching or making physical contact between the patient and thestethoscope head.

For purposes herein, the term “sterile” is intended to not only includea material and/or condition that is free from living germs ormicroorganisms, but also include less stringent materials and/orconditions. That is, the term “sterile” is intended to include anymaterial and/or condition that would be suitable for use with astethoscope or other medical device or device as described herein.

FIG. 2 shows a pouch or cover 18 including a hollow flexible body 20having an open end or opening 22 and a closed end opposite opening 22,which cover 18 being adapted to receive or that is sufficiently large tosurroundingly receive stethoscope head 12. In one embodiment, body 20may be stretchable. In one embodiment, body 20 may be essentiallynon-stretchable. In one embodiment, body 20 may be essentiallynon-flexible. In one embodiment, all or one of more portions of body 20may be flexible, non-flexible, stretchable, or non-stretchable. In oneembodiment, opening 22 at least partially includes an elastic material24, permitting opening 22 to be temporarily enlarged sufficiently forstethoscope head 12 to be inserted through opening 22 and then inside ofbody 20, after which insertion of stethoscope head 12, opening 22 beingpermitted to contract in size for enhancing retention of stethoscopehead 12 in body 20 during the single use of the cover. In oneembodiment, elastic material 24 is a band. In one embodiment, body 20 iscomposed of elastic material. As shown, body 20 includes at least onetab or flap or protrusion 26 positioned opposite opening 22 andextending outwardly from the surface of body 20. In one embodiment,protrusion 26 is folded or collapsed or flattened state or condition orposition of cover 18, as will be discussed in greater detail below forstorage in a dispenser, the protrusion is designated as protrusion 26′and rests against adjacent portions 124 of body 20, such as shown inFIGS. 2 and 3A. In one embodiment, the protrusion is sized lengthwisesuch that there is a spacing 126 or separation between patientcontacting regions 120, 122 of cover 18 opposite corresponding portionsof stethoscope head 12, and the furthest extent of protrusion 26′, suchas in the event that protrusion 26′ remained positioned against adjacentportions 124 of body 20 when cover 18 is in its extended position orcondition during use, and requiring a user 28 (FIG. 2), such as one ormore fingers and a thumb of one hand of user 28, to dislodge or actuatethe protrusion from its “flattened position” designated as protrusion26′ toward its extended position designated as protrusion 26, thefingers of user 28 would not physically contact or touch patientcontacting regions 120, 122 of cover 18. In one embodiment, user 28 mayorient stethoscope 12 such that protrusion 26′ is positioned on theopposite side of or faces away from the patient contacting region 120,122 that is to be brought into contact with the patient, preventingprotrusion 26′ from contacting the patient, and permitting user 28 toremove cover 18 by grasping protrusion 26′ without touching or makingphysical contact with any of the stethoscope head, the patient, or thepatient contacting region that had contacted the patient.

In one embodiment, protrusion 26 may be composed of a material that isthe same as the cover material. In one embodiment, protrusion 26 may becomposed of at least two layers of the cover material, providingprotrusion 26 with greater rigidity compared to the rigidity of thecover. In one embodiment, protrusion 26 may be at least partiallycomposed of a different material than the cover material. In oneembodiment, protrusion 26 may be composed of a rigid or substantiallyrigid elongated member. In one embodiment, protrusion 26 may include acoating or have been partially immersed in a material providing enhancedstiffness or resulting in at least a portion of the protrusion having atendency to extend outwardly from a surface of body 20, such as fromadjacent portions 124 when cover 18 is in an extended or expanded orposition or condition, permitting protrusion 26 to be grasped by a user,without the user contacting the stethoscope head 12, or the patientcontacting regions 120, 122 of body 20. In one embodiment, such as shownin FIGS. 3A and 3B, an end of the protrusion is affixed to body 20, andupon insertion of stethoscope head 12 inside of body 20 (FIG. 3B), thestretching of material of body 20 being sufficient to actuate theprotrusion from its flattened position, designated as 26′ to itsextended position 26. In one embodiment, upon insertion of stethoscopehead 12 inside of body 20 (FIG. 3B), even in the absence of stretchingof material of body 20, the protrusion may self-actuate from itsflattened position, designated as 26′ to its extended position 26, suchas by a retention force, such as by material memory.

As further shown in FIG. 3, subsequent to placing the coveredstethoscope head against a patient for monitoring the patient's medicalcondition, user 28 (FIG. 2) may grasp protrusion 26 and then apply aseparation force 29 in a single direction to protrusion 26 and away fromstethoscope head 12, permitting cover 18 to be removed from stethoscopehead 12 without the user touching or physically contacting the portionof the cover that had previously touched or physically contacted thepatient.

FIG. 4 shows an exemplary dispenser 30 for covering a stethoscope head12 (FIG. 5). Dispenser 30 includes an enclosure 32 having an opening 34for receiving stethoscope head 12 (FIG. 5) directed in an installationdirection 42 (FIG. 5) in contact with cover 18 that is secured to acarrier 36.

FIGS. 6 and 7 show dispenser 30 in respective open and closed positions.Dispenser 30 includes enclosure portions 38, 40 pivotably connected byhinge 41 in a rotational movement 60 from the open position toward theclosed position. Optionally, enclosure portion 38 includes mountingopenings 44 for securing dispenser 30 to a vertical wall. Carrier 36includes a plurality, such as four, guide/support rods 46 extendingbetween enclosure portions 38, 40 when in a closed position. In oneembodiment, when enclosure 32 is closed, one end of guide/support rods46 extend from openings 45 formed in enclosure portion 38 tocorresponding openings 50 formed in enclosure portion 40. A plurality ofcovers 18 include loops 48 through which corresponding guide/support rod46 extend. When installed inside of enclosure 30, covers 18 arestretched between guide/support rods 46 and overlap opening 34. Aresilient device 52, such as a helical spring is slid over, positionedat one end of each guide/support rod 46 adjacent enclosure portion 38and compressed. A pair of positioners 54, 58 each have opposed openingsfor slidably engaging a corresponding pair of guide/support rods 46. Inone embodiment, positioners 54, 58 are interconnected. Positioners 54,58 are positioned between resilient devices 52 and the plurality ofcovers 18, applying a retention force of resilient devices 52 againstloops 48 of covers 18 to collectively evenly urge covers 18 towardenclosure portion 40. As shown, positioner 54 includes a tab 56,permitting adjustment of positioner 54 if required, e.g., to advancecovers 18 toward enclosure portion 40 to allow the cover 18 positionedimmediately adjacent to enclosure portion 40 to be positioned in the“ready to receive” posture.

In response to stethoscope head 12 being directed in installationdirection 42 (FIG. 6) through opening 34 of enclosure 32, stethoscopehead 12 is brought into contact with the exposed cover 18 positionedmost proximate to enclosure portion 40, attention is now brought to FIG.17, which is an enlarged, partial view taken from region 17 of FIG. 7 ofa corresponding end of guide/support rod 46. Adjacent each end 114 ofguide/support rod 46 that is inserted into opening 50 of enclosureportion 40 (FIG. 7) is a recessed region 116 which is sized andpositioned so as to receive a corresponding loop 48 (FIG. 7) of thecover 18 (FIG. 7). Each recessed region 116 includes a blade 118oriented to outwardly face a corner of enclosure portion 40 (FIG. 7). Inresponse to stethoscope head 12 being further inserted inside ofenclosure 32 (FIG. 7) in contact with cover 18, the material of cover 18conforms to surroundingly receive stethoscope head 12, and upon furtherinsertion, the cover material is rendered taunt, the cover materialinwardly drawing loops 48 (FIG. 7) against a portion of shoulder 128 andblade 118 of recessed region 116. In response to sufficient insertion ofstethoscope head 12, loops 48 are severed by the corresponding blades118, effecting separation of cover 18 from guide/support rods 46. Thenewly exposed cover 18, and the remaining covers 18, may be dispensed ina similar manner. This compact, construction defines an integratedcover/carrier package 64.

In one embodiment, if the guide/support rods 46 did not extend intoenclosure portion opening 50 of enclosure portion 40, tab 56 ofpositioner 54 may be actuated to “push off” or disengage loops 48 ofcover 18 after having covered a stethoscope head.

As shown in FIG. 8, a dispenser 62 includes an enclosure 66 adapted tostore a plurality of integrated cover/carrier packages 64 individuallystored in a module 72, such as a fiberboard box. Each module 72 includesa perforated opening 74 (achieved by removal of material from module 72(not shown) surrounded by perforations that define perforation opening74) permitting access to covers 18. Enclosure 66 includes an opening 63sized to permit access to perforated opening 74. That is, in a mannersimilar as shown in FIG. 5, stethoscope head 12 (FIG. 5) may be insertedthrough opening 63, then through opening 74 to contact cover 18. Onceall covers have been expended or removed from module 72 aligned withopening 63, module 72 is removed in removal direction 76 via an accessopening 77 that may be covered by a movable panel (not shown). Uponremoval of the empty module 72 from enclosure 66, the next module 72immediately vertically above the empty module 72 and defining anunopened cover/carrier package 70 is loaded in loading direction 68 as aresult of gravity, wherein upon removal of material from module 72defined by perforated opening 74, the newly exposed cover 18, and theremaining covers 18, may be dispensed in a similar manner.

FIG. 9 shows an exemplary dispenser 78 having an opening 80 formed in anenclosure 84 for dispensing covers 18 from carrier 82. As shown in FIG.10, one embodiment of carrier 82 includes a strip 86 adapted to secure aplurality of spaced apart compacted covers 18 thereon for selectiveaccess for covering stethoscope heads 12 (FIG. 14). As further shown inFIG. 10, feed rollers 88, 90 feed strip 86 in feed direction 94,permitting covers 18 to be sequentially accessed and removed from strip86 via opening 80 (FIG. 9), the expended strip 86 being further fed infeed direction 94 to take-up reel 96. Optionally, an additional feedroller 90 is operatively connected via belt 92 to feed roller 88 inorder to accommodate a carrier 86 of greater length in order to providean increased number of covers 18.

FIGS. 11-16 show a sequence of loading and operating dispenser 78. Asshown in FIG. 11, enclosure 84 is opened by pivotably separatingenclosure portions 98, 100, exposing recesses 99 formed in enclosureportions 98, 100 for receiving corresponding take-up roller 104 and feedroller 102 (FIG. 12). As shown in FIG. 12, feed roller 102 that includescarrier 82, which includes carrier strip 86 wrapped around feed roller102, is positioned in corresponding recesses 99 of enclosure portion 98,followed by engaging take-up roller 104 and carrier strip 86, i.e.,wrapping the loose end of carrier strip 86 around take-up roller 104.Once enclosure portions 98, 100 are brought together to form the intactor assembled enclosure 84, as shown in FIG. 13, FIG. 14 showsstethoscope head 12 directed in installation direction 106 throughopening 80 of enclosure 84 in contact with a corresponding cover 18exposed or aligned with opening 80 of enclosure 84. Stethoscope head 12is further directed inside of enclosure 84 until cover 18, whichsurrounds stethoscope head 12, designated as covered head 110 (FIG. 15)is separated from carrier strip 86. Optionally, dispenser 78 may includean electronic triggering mechanism to separate the cover from the coverstrip, such as in response to the stethoscope head being insertedthrough the opening a sufficient insertion depth. Once cover 18 isseparated from carrier strip 86, as shown in FIG. 15, coveredstethoscope head 110 is removed from enclosure 84 through opening 80 ina removal direction 108. As further shown in FIG. 15, protrusion 26extends outwardly from the surface of the extended or expanded cover 130of covered stethoscope head 110, permitting subsequent removal of thecover after use without the user 28 (FIG. 2) contacting the portion ofthe cover that contacts with the patient (not shown), in a mannerpreviously discussed. Finally, as shown in FIG. 16 take-up roller 104 isurged into a rotational movement 112 to advance carrier strip 86 ofcarrier 82 until the next cover 18 is aligned with opening 80 to bedispensed in a manner previously discussed.

In one embodiment, instead of separate take-up and supply rollers, thecarrier may include a cartridge integrating the rollers and carrierstrip, similar to those usable in cameras or typewriters.

It is appreciated by those having ordinary skill in the art that thecover of the present invention may be utilized for covering articlesother than stethoscopes, such as ultrasound probes, transducers andother medical devices that otherwise come into direct contact with thepatient. In addition, the cover is not limited to devices for use in themedical field. The present invention contemplates being used forcovering any device that may be inserted in a cover using one or moretabs positioned on the cover as previously discussed.

It is to be understood that the dispensers of the present invention maybe manually advanced, or may be automated to automatically advance thecarrier, such as in response to withdrawal of the covered stethoscopehead.

FIGS. 18-19 show respective side and plan views of an exemplary pouch orcover 132 surrounding stethoscope head 12. Cover 132 includes a hollowflexible or non-flexible body 136 having an opening 134 that issufficiently large to surroundingly receive stethoscope head 12. A tabor protrusion 138 is positioned at or near open end or opening 134. Asshown, protrusion 138 is positioned between and proximate to a pair ofweakened regions 140 such as perforations or areas of reduced thicknessof body 136 extending along cover 132 to opening 134. In one embodiment,the pair of weakened regions 140 are generally parallel to each other.In one embodiment, at least a portion of the pair of weakened regions140 may be non-parallel to each other. In one embodiment, protrusion 138is positioned to one side of weakened regions 140. In one embodiment,protrusion 138 is positioned near a single weakened region 140. As shownin FIG. 20, in response to user 28 grasping protrusion 138 and applyinga force 144 in a direction away from stethoscope head 12, at least oneof weakened regions 140 rupture, forming an enlarged distorted opening134 for permitting stethoscope head 12 to be removed from cover 132without user 28 contacting stethoscope head 12 in a manner as previouslydiscussed.

FIG. 21 shows a receptacle 146 adapted to receive a container 148 (FIG.22) for collectively defining a dispenser 150 (FIG. 22) for dispensingpouches or covers for covering a stethoscope, as will be furtherdiscussed. In one embodiment, receptacle 146 is adapted to be secured toa vertical support surface, such as a wall of a building structure (notshown) for conveniently positioning dispenser 150 (FIG. 22) proximate auser wearing or holding a stethoscope in preparation of treatment of apatient, helping to visually prompt the user to install the stethoscopecover over the stethoscope head prior to treating the patient. In oneembodiment, receptacle 146 may be adapted to be placed on, or placed onand secured to a non-vertical support surface, such as table top. Asfurther shown in FIG. 21, receptacle 146 includes a body 152 having aplurality of interconnected walls or wall portions 154, 156, 158defining an internal volume 176 for securing container 148 (FIG. 22)therein. For example, one end of wall 154 is connected to wall 156 thatis connected to wall portion 160 which is opposite wall 154. Theopposite end of wall 154 is connected to wall 158 that is connected towall portion 162 that is opposite wall 154. Wall 156 is opposite to andgenerally parallel to wall 158, and wall 154 is opposite to andgenerally parallel to wall portions 160, 162. As shown, wall portions160, 162 are separated by a space 164 and collectively support the samecorresponding surface of container 148 (FIG. 22).

It is to be understood that while the walls of receptacle 146 aredisclosed as corresponding to surfaces of a rectangular container, thewalls of receptacle 146 are not so limited, and may be adapted toreceive any container having a cylindrical profile defining any shape.As further shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, walls 156, 158 include at least oneopening 166 sufficiently sized to permit an observer to discern thepresence of container 148 (FIG. 22) having only a vantage point of oneof walls 156, 158. In one embodiment, walls 156, 158 include a pluralityof openings 166 forming an aesthetically pleasing pattern. As furthershown, a tab 168 is connected to wall 154 proximate an end 170 of body152 for vertically supporting container 148 that has been received ininternal volume 176 of receptacle 146 through an opening 172 at an end174 opposite end 170 of body 152, once body 152 has been secured to avertical support surface, such as a wall of a building structure.

As further shown in FIG. 22, wall portions 160, 162 of dispenserreceptacle 146 include several beneficial features for interacting witha container 148 inserted into and supported inside of receptacle 146.For example, cooperating slots 178, 180 of respective wall portions 160,162 in combination with space 164 separating the wall portions 160, 162define a continuous, unobscured opening 182 permitting viewing ofindicia 184 that identifies the contents or product information ofcontainer 148, such as “Stethoscope Cover”. Additionally, slots 186,188, 190 formed in wall portion 160 in combination with space 164separating wall portions 160, 162 define respective viewing regions 192,194, 196, permitting viewing of respective indicia 198, 200, 202 thatprovides helpful usage instructions includes product descriptioninformation and product installation steps on container 148, such as “1.Pull”, “2. Insert”, “3. Release”, relating to a tab 204 of the “nextavailable” cover or pouch 206 as will be further discussed.

FIGS. 31 and 31A show an exemplary dispenser 228 including a receptacle230 having a wall 232 rotatable in a movement direction 234 relative tothe remaining portion of dispenser 228 for receiving container 148containing pouches for covering stethoscope heads as previouslydiscussed. As shown, wall 232 includes indicia 236 relating to brandname or identification of product dispensed, indicia 238 relating toinstructions for using the dispenser, and a viewing window 240 showingthe amount of remaining pouches in the dispenser. Any suitable dispenserarrangements may be used, such as exemplary dispenser 258 including areceptacle 260 as shown in FIG. 32.

As shown collectively in FIGS. 22, 23, and most notably in FIG. 24(showing an unopened container 148′ (a removable cover or lid 208secured by perforations 210 (intact)) or other mechanisms positionedproximate to an opened container 148 (lid 208 removed along perforation210, exposing opening 212)) container 148 is now discussed. For purposesherein, unless stated otherwise, the term “container” is intended torefer to an opened container. As further shown in FIG. 24, container 148contains a pair of elongated members 214, each member 214 terminates ata tip 216 proximate an end 218 of container 148 corresponding to end 170(FIG. 22) of body 152 (FIG. 22) of dispenser receptacle 146 (FIG. 22)when container 148 is installed in the receptacle. Each tip 216 includesa retainer 220 such as an enlarged end, recess, notch, a directionalchange portion, such as a hook, relative to a proximal portion of theelongated member or other suitable feature for engaging a correspondingretainer 222 (FIG. 25) of support structure 224 (FIG. 25) of pouch 206(FIG. 25) as will be further discussed. In one embodiment, the pair ofelongated members are connected to one another.

As shown in the embodiments, such as FIG. 24, tips 216 of elongatedmembers 214 extend exterior of container 148 and 148′ throughcorresponding openings 226 formed in container 148 and 148′. However,the present invention is not so limited as “tips proximate one end ofcontainer” contemplate many different arrangements. For example, in oneembodiment, tips 216 may be fully contained within or inside or interiorof container 148 and 148′. In one embodiment, tip 216 or a portion ofelongated member 214 proximate to tip 216 may be bent or retracted(e.g., similar to a telescoping radio antenna) so that tip 216 iscontained within or inside or interior of container 148 and 148′, butupon removal of lid 208 from container 148′ (becoming container 148)tips 216 may then be unbent or extended (e.g., similar to a telescopingradio antenna) to at least partially extend exterior of container 148.In one embodiment, tip 216 may be removable from a correspondingelongated member 214 of container 148 and 148′, but upon removal of lid208 from container 148′ (becoming container 148) tips 216 may then besecured to its corresponding elongated member 214, such as tip 216having an opening at one end that is received by its correspondingelongated member 214, or vice versa, tips 216 being “loose” withincontainer 148′, secured to the cover nearest lid 208 (interior orexterior of the container), secured to lid 208 (interior or exterior ofthe container), or other suitable arrangement. As further shown in FIG.24, a plurality of collapsed pouches 242 are supported on elongatedmembers 214 in preparation of being selectively and individuallydispensed from container 148 as will be further discussed below.

FIGS. 25-30 are cutaway views of the container 148 of FIG. 24 (i.e., thecontents of the container with the outer walls of the container removedfor purposes of clarity) showing sequential steps for covering astethoscope head 12 (FIG. 28) with pouch 206. More specifically, FIGS.25-30 are directed to showing how each pouch 206 of plurality ofcollapsed pouches 242 (FIG. 24) is manipulated for covering thestethoscope head. For purposes of simplicity and clarity, only one pouch206 is shown in FIGS. 25-30. FIG. 25 shows an exemplary collapsed pouch206 including an open end 244, a closed end 246, and a support structure224 positioned proximate open end 244. In one embodiment, supportstructure 224 is a structural member that is secured to pouch 206 andextends outwardly from pouch 206. In one embodiment, support structure224 is formed of pouch material (i.e., support structure 224 forms partof pouch 206) such as reinforced pouch material (e.g., overlappingportions of pouch material) and extends outwardly from pouch 206.Support structure 224 has a pair of retainers 222, each retainer 222adapted to receive a corresponding elongated member 214 for supportingpouch 206 thereon. As further shown in FIG. 25, pouch 206 includes aremoval tab or tab 204 positioned proximate open end 244. In oneembodiment, the support structure is comprised of a pair of separatesupport structure portions 225, each support structure portion 225having a retainer 227 adapted to receive a corresponding elongatedmember 214 for supporting pouch 206 thereon. In one embodiment, as shownin FIG. 25, elongated members 214 are arranged non-parallel to oneanother.

As shown in FIG. 26, a user 28 grasps tab 204 of the corresponding pouch206 positioned nearest tips 216 of elongated members 214, and pulls tab204 in a direction 248 toward tips 216 until tab 204 is proximate tips216. In one embodiment, such as shown in FIG. 27 (which isrepresentative to accessing the first pouch of a container full ofpouches (see FIG. 22)), tab 204 of the corresponding pouch 206positioned nearest tips 216 of elongated members 214 is alreadyproximate tips 216. In response to a user 28 grasping tab 204 of thecorresponding pouch 206 positioned nearest tips 216 of elongated members214, and sufficiently pulling tab 204 in a direction 248 away from tips216 such as a downward direction, retainers 220 of tips 216 of elongatedmembers 214 engage corresponding retainers 222 of support structure 224and no longer move relative to one another. As a result, further pullingtab 204 in a downward direction or downwards or in direction 248 awayfrom tips 216 such as a downward direction or downwards, results in openend 244 of pouch 206 being urged toward an open position. In response tosufficiently further pulling tab 204 in direction 248 away from tips216, open end 244 of pouch 206 defines an open position 250 defined byretainers 222 of support structure 224 and tab 204 for receiving astethoscope head inside of pouch 206 while retainers 222 remain engagedwith corresponding retainers 220 of tips 216 of elongated members 214.

It is to be understood that exemplary FIGS. 25-26 would not represent arealistic starting position for the corresponding pouch 206 positionednearest tips 216 of elongated members 214, because as the pouches arebeing dispensed, the collapsed pouches are collectively urged onelongated members 214 toward tips 216, such as by one or more ofgravity, a force generator, such as a spring or other suitablearrangement, or a low-grade adhesive interconnecting adjacent pouches.As a result, the starting position of tab 204 of the corresponding pouch206 positioned nearest tips 216 of elongated members 214 (i.e., “thenext available pouch”) approximates tips 216 or is proximate tips 216,such as shown in FIG. 27.

As shown in FIGS. 28-29, once open end 244 of pouch 206 defines openposition 250, user 28 directs stethoscope head 12 inside of pouch 206.In one embodiment, simultaneously with the user directing stethoscopehead 12 inside of pouch 206, user 28 orients the stethoscope headrelative to tab 204. For example, some stethoscopes have opposed“listening portions” such as a diaphragm that is adapted to bettermonitor lung function and a bell that is adapted to better monitorvascular function. That is, depending upon the patient function that isto be monitored, the user could orient the stethoscope head such thatthe desired listening portion faces away from tab 204 or side 252, byrotating tubing 256 of the stethoscope in a rotational direction 254relative to the pouch or even within the pouch itself.

Once stethoscope head 12 has been inserted inside of pouch 206, user 28releases tab 204. As shown in FIG. 30, open end 244 of pouch 206, whileno longer in open position 250 (FIG. 29), is in a partially enlarged orextended condition, due to continued engagement of retainers 222 ofsupport structures 224 with elongated members 214. As shown in FIG. 30A,upon retainers 222 being removed from tips 216 of elongated members 214,open end 244 will collapse around tubing 256, and the cover willsimilarly collapse around the head of the stethoscope.

FIGS. 33-41 showing exemplary embodiments of pouches are now discussed.FIG. 33 shows a pouch 306 incorporating various features of differentpouches previously discussed, including pouch 18 (FIG. 2), pouch 132(FIG. 18), pouch 206 (FIG. 22) except as shown. For example, pouch 306includes a tab 308 proximate open end 244 that is opposite tab 204,permitting removal of the stethoscope head from the pouch. That is, inresponse to a user (not shown) wearing stethoscope 10 (e.g., the headsetof the stethoscope encircling the user's neck) with a stethoscope head12 positioned interior or inside of pouch 306, in response to the usergrasping tabs 204, and 308 and plot and simultaneously applying forcesgenerally in a removal force direction 312 that is opposite a retentionforce direction 314 applied to the stethoscope headset by the user, thestethoscope head can be removed from pouch 306. In one embodiment, eachremoval force direction 312 includes opposed lateral force components320 (only one lateral force component 320 as shown in FIG. 33) to helpfurther increase the space between tabs 204, 308 to promote easierremoval of the stethoscope head from pouch 306. In one embodiment, theuser may grasp one of tabs 204, 308 and tab 26, simultaneously applyingforces generally in a removal force direction 312 is opposite aretention force direction 314 applied to the stethoscope headset by theuser for removing the stethoscope head can be removed from pouch 306. Inone embodiment, the user may only grasp tab 26, simultaneously applyinga force generally in a removal force direction 312 that is opposite aretention force direction 314 applied to the stethoscope headset by theuser for removing the stethoscope head from pouch 306. In oneembodiment, the user may only grasp tab 204 or tab 308, simultaneouslyapplying forces generally in a removal force direction 312 that isopposite a retention force direction 314 applied to the stethoscopeheadset by the user, for removing the stethoscope head from pouch 306.

It is to be understood that different tab arrangements may be used withthe pouch. For example, in one embodiment, only tabs 204, 308 areincluded. In one embodiment, only tabs 26, 204 are included. In oneembodiment, only tabs 26, 308 are included. In one embodiment, only oneof tab 204 or tab 308 is included.

As further shown in FIG. 33, a plurality of grip enhancement features orretainers may be formed 316 on tabs 26, 204, 308. As shown in FIG. 34,at least one weakened region 310, such as a perforation, or areas ofreduced thickness or combination thereof may be formed in pouch 306.

As shown in FIG. 35, weakened regions 310 include at least one slit 324formed in pouch 306 for separating tab 308 from pouch 306. Along eachslit 324 an adhesive strip 322 extends along a periphery of tab 308, andcorresponds to an adhesive retention strip 326 extending along aperiphery of pouch 306. In one embodiment, the arrangement is reversed;that is, adhesive strip 322 extends along a periphery of pouch 306 andadhesive retention strip 326 extends along a periphery of tab 308. Inone embodiment, the arrangement may be a combination of both; i.e.,adhesive strip 322 extends along one periphery of tab 308, and adhesiveretention strip 326 extends along the other periphery of tab 308 withthe strips 322, 326 extending along the corresponding peripheries ofpouch 306. Either prior to use of pouch 306, such as in a collapsedcondition, or in a “ready to use” condition of pouch 306 withstethoscope head 12 (FIG. 33) positioned inside of pouch 306 by stepspreviously discussed, slit 324 is closed reinforced in a closed positionas a result of adhesive strip 322 engaging adhesive retention strip 326.To permit removal of stethoscope head 12 (FIG. 33) from pouch 306, auser (not shown) grasps tab 308 and applies a separation force 328 in adirection away from pouch 306 sufficient for opening weakened regions310, forming an open position 330 in pouch 306 by enlarging open end244. In one embodiment, removal of stethoscope head 12 (FIG. 33) may beachieved with one hand (i.e., the user only grasping tab 308 andcombination with application of separation force 328, opposite retentionforce direction 314 (FIG. 33) applied to the stethoscope headset by theuser, application of the retention force direction 314 not requiring theuser's hands. In one embodiment, removal of stethoscope head 12 (FIG.33) may be achieved with both hands, such as by grasping tab 308 and oneof tab 204 or tab 26 in a manner previously discussed.

FIGS. 36-41 showing exemplary embodiments of pouch constructionsutilizing slit 324 are now discussed. For example, as shown in FIG. 36,slit 324 is positioned by itself on one side of pouch 306, with tab 204positioned on the opposite side of pouch 306, with removal ofstethoscope head 12 from pouch 306 resulting from a sufficient removalforce being applied to tab 204 to urge slit 324 to open, therebyenlarging open end 244 in a manner as previously discussed.

FIG. 37 shows tab 308 formed from the same material as pouch 306, andmore specifically tab 308 being of one-piece or unitary constructionwith pouch 306, with tab 308 extending in a non-parallel direction withrespect to slit 324, such as tab 308 being perpendicular to slit 324,although different orientations are contemplated by the presentinvention. FIG. 40 shows pouch 306 of FIG. 37 in an open position 330,with retainers 316, 332 of corresponding tab 308 and pouch 306 beingseparated from one another.

FIG. 38 shows tab 308 formed separately from pouch 306 and secured atone end to pouch 306, with tab 308 extending in a non-parallel directionwith respect to slit 324, such as tab 308 being perpendicular to slit324, although different orientations are contemplated by the presentinvention. FIG. 39 shows pouch 306 of FIG. 38 in an open position 330,with retainers 316, 332 of corresponding tab 308 and pouch 306 beingseparated from one another.

FIG. 41 shows tab 308 formed separately from pouch 306 and removablysecurable by a retainer 334 at one end to pouch 306 to a correspondingretainer positioned along one side of slit 324, and with tab 308 beingremovably securable by a retainer 336 to a corresponding retainerpositioned along the opposed side of slit 324. As shown, tab 308 extendsin a non-parallel direction with respect to slit 324, such as tab 308being perpendicular to slit 324, although different orientations arecontemplated by the present invention.

The present invention has been described as a cover, dispenser andmethod for covering and uncovering a stethoscope. It will be understoodthat the above description is merely illustrative of the applications ofthe principles of the present invention, the scope of which is to bedetermined by the claims viewed in light of the specification. Othervariants and modifications of the invention will be apparent to those ofskill in the art.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for dispensing sterile covers for astethoscope, comprising: a container including at least two elongatedmembers positioned in the container and terminating at tips proximateone end of the container, wherein the at least two elongated members arearranged non-parallel to one another, wherein the at least two elongatedmembers are rods, wherein the at least two elongated members extend frominterior of the container through an opening in the one end of thecontainer to outside of the container; a plurality of collapsed pouchespositioned inside the container, each pouch having an open end and aclosed end and a support structure positioned proximate the open end,the support structure having a pair of first retainers, each firstretainer adapted to receive a corresponding elongated member of the atleast two elongated members, the plurality of collapsed pouches beingsupported on the elongated members, each pouch comprising a first tabpositioned proximate and extending beyond the open end; the tab of acorresponding pouch positioned nearest to the tips of the at least twoelongated members extending beyond the open end while the correspondingpouch is collapsed; the tab being arranged and disposed such that inresponse to the tab of the corresponding pouch positioned nearest to thetips of the at least two elongated members being grasped and pulled in adirection downwards along and away from the at least two elongatedmembers, the open end forming a first open position defined by the pairof first retainers and the tab and for receiving a head of thestethoscope inside the corresponding pouch while the first retainersremain engaged with the at least two elongated members.
 2. The system ofclaim 1, wherein each collapsed pouch further comprises a protrusionextending from but in a flattened state against a body of the collapsedpouch, the protrusion being extendable to an extended position graspableby the user when the pouch is covering the head of the stethoscope topull the pouch off the head of the stethoscope without the userphysically contacting or touching patient contacting regions of thepouch.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the support structure includesseparate support structure portions, each support structure portionhaving a corresponding first retainer.
 4. The system of claim 1, whereinthe container includes a removable lid at the one end to expose thecorresponding pouch positioned nearest to the tips for removal from thecontainer.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the two elongated membersare connected to one another.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the tipsinclude second retainers.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the open endof each pouch includes elastic material.
 8. The system of claim 1further comprising a receptacle adapted to receive the container.
 9. Thesystem of claim 8 further comprising container indicia located on thecontainer, wherein the receptacle includes slots for permitting viewingof the container indicia.
 10. The system of claim 9, wherein thecontainer indicia include product description information and productusage steps.
 11. The system of claim 8, wherein the receptacle comprisesa plurality of interconnected walls, the receptacle being adapted tosupport the container.
 12. The system of claim 11, wherein one of theplurality of interconnected walls at a first end of the receptaclesupports the one end of the container and includes an opening, the atleast two elongated members extending through the opening for removal ofthe corresponding pouch positioned nearest to the tips through theopening at the first end of the receptacle.